‘Future-proof’ or ‘a strategic mistake’? Inside the MBTA’s effort to electrify its commuter rail system

‘Future-proof’ or ‘a strategic mistake’? Inside the MBTA’s effort to electrify its commuter rail system

THE MOOD WAS CELEBRATORY when MBTA oversight board members unanimously declared their support for transforming the commuter rail system, a blue-sky vision featuring zero emissions and more frequent service using electrified trains. Transit advocates cheered the November 2019 move — even if the board votes came in the form of nonbinding resolutions with no funding attached — as a win. T leaders at the time said that new trains could arrive in two…